After two days of being home the realisation is finally setting in – as is the case following Bloodstock every year – that festival season has come to an unwelcome end. Yet all of the incredible performances from 2011 will continue to exist as fond memories. Cherished memories from a place where quality music is the daily norm.

My personal weekend highlights ranged from fresh talent such as London’s Dripback and other more recently established bands including Cerebral Bore, to bigger names like At The Gates, with their explosive show on the main stage and of course thrash titans from both sides of the Atlantic – Exodus and Kreator. There were literally countless performances to be noted this year and I’m certain every Bloodstock-goer would agree on that.

After snowballing popularity and repeat visits from loyal fans year after year, Bloodstock fully deserves its reputation – of being the only festival operating in the UK that celebrates heavy music with genuine passion and dedication. I am already desperately anticipating next summer’s line up. Bring on Bloodstock 2012.